The 2015 Chrysler 200 is here, now can Mopar add go-fast allure?

Will the 200 get more than basic bolt-on mods?

Chrysler has unveiled its new mid-size 2015 200 Sedan in Detroit, and everything is as expected: all-wheel drive, base 2.4-liter TigerShark four-cylinder, and a nine-speed automatic transmission. Of course, we find the S-trimmed with its 295-hp 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 more enticing. Mopar also had its own version of the 200S on hand, wearing 19-inch wheels, custom paint, and a contrast color roof. Fine on the eyes, sure, but where's our horsepower bump and torque injection? According to Mopar, it's in the works.

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Dodge's in-house tuning company says it's committed to drawing enthusiasts towards the 200, and that means a catalogue of 90 model-specific branded accessories before the end of this year. Mopar told us it plans to offer an upgrade package ladder for Chrysler's new four-door, akin to the Scat Pack offered to supplement its Dart GT sibling. These tiered kits are pretty basic: bottom level is a short shifter and intake, stage two adds an exhaust and ECU flash, and the third stage offers a Mopar Big Brake Kit and some upgraded suspension bits.

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Unfortunately, Mopar also told us that it "won't be digging too far into the engine" when it comes to the 200. Translation? Those more aggressive Scat Pack components offered on the eight-cylinder Charger and Challenger—such as ported CNC heads and camshaft packages—likely won't be available for the 2.4- or 3.6-liter models. Short of a (surprise) blower kit, we're likely to see only elementary power adders for the 200.

And, frankly, if Mopar won't be cracking much into the Chrysler's drivetrain, we wonder how interested enthusiasts will be in a tuned version. An intake, exhaust, and software upgrade is fine, but will it be enough to satisfy new 200 owners who are seriously intent on performance? We're not so sure ...